Budget Management

The Isle of Wight has received £146,700 of revenue funding and £71,000 of capital funding for the financial year 09/10. This was increased to £473,000 of revenue funding and £165,000 of capital funding for 10/11.

There are strict criteria in place for how these monies may be used and the management of the accounts is scrutinised closely both internally and externally by ‘Together for Disabled Children’ to see how the spend influences provision i.e. the number of short breaks which are created. A quarterly return, called the LAIMP (Local Authority Implementation Plan) is submitted to TDC with full details of spending and provision.

The budget for Aiming High is closely monitored by the Project Lead, Children’s Finance Officer and the Steering Group. Revenue spending is in line with delivery planning.

In general, revenue monies are being used for staffing, training, provision of information i.e. newsletters, workshops, play schemes, small projects, access to short break services and the like.

Use of capital spend has strict criteria which operate as to how funding can be used. It is important that capital funding is used before the year end i.e. March 31st 2011 as this cannot be carried forward into the new financial year.

A large amount of the capital funds will be used to make sure that social and leisure services and activities are more accessible for disabled children. One key need identified by parents is the requirement for improved changing facilities at leisure sites. Capital funding for this purpose has been used to provide portable hoists and changing tables in leisure centres and other portable facilities are being investigated; already in use in Brighton & Hove.

AHfDC funding has been partnered with Play Build funding (designed by Government to provide more open air play spaces across the UK for children) in the development of the Seaclose Park in order to ensure that the facilities are more inclusive. Parents of children with special educational needs helped to contribute to the design of the park. Beaulieu House has also benefitted from AHfDC capital funding. Their new play ground was opened on 2nd April 2011 by Mark King of Level 42 who has joined the ‘Friends of Beaulieu’ – a group of volunteers who raise money for Beaulieu House.

The other popular idea, supported by parents, was the purchase of a luxury, purpose-built mobile home for families to enjoy on a suitable holiday site on the Island. This caravan can now be booked through Family Link for families to enjoy a short break in or for their children to practise their independent living skills. Located in Shanklin, the caravan benefits from private parking and its own washing and laundry facilities. Six club passes are also available for the family to enjoy the park’s amenities.

The new budget for Short Breaks is not ring-fenced as before. This means that the funds are not protected i.e. used only for the purposes of Aiming High for Disabled Children. In the current economic climate, it is likely that budgets will be scrutinized more carefully to provide best value for money.

New plans for commissioning (buying in) short breaks are being considered at present. The intention, as always, is to provide safe, positive, enjoyable short breaks with experienced providers and staff for the best interests of disabled children on the Island.